Sky's the limit for aviation grad who knows planes inside and out
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Adaora Osolu has always been fascinated by the unexplored—whether it's the wilderness, the sky or the far reaches of space. Now approaching graduation from Western Michigan University's College of Aviation, she has the tools she needs to chart her own course in whatever path she chooses.
"The first time I flew a plane was so exciting! I didn't know what to expect, but it was more than I ever could have imagined," says Osolu, who will earn bachelor's degrees in aviation flight science and aviation technical operations at Western's Summer 2025 Commencement on Saturday, June 28.
Initially focused on becoming a pilot when she enrolled at Western, a maintenance class opened Osolu's eyes to exploring career possibilities in tandem back on the ground. Because of the intensity of both the flight science and technical operations majors, it's rare for someone to take on both—but she wouldn't have it any other way,
"When people tell me, ‘I don't think you should do this,’ it makes me want to do it even more," she says. "I really enjoyed learning about how the plane works. I'm a very curious person by nature, and I don't just want to get into the plane and fly. I want to know what's going on behind the scenes."
Of course, there was a learning curve. Many of her classmates in tech ops had backgrounds as car mechanics or hobbies that involved maintenance.For Osolu, things like electrical courses seemed daunting.
"My professors—people like Brian Jansen and Nate Lisak—always took extra time to help me with different projects and encourage me to do better. Both ended up writing referral letters for me for different jobs and for an internship at Duncan Aviation. They were just very supportive," she says. "I'm a very hands-on learner, so the Experience-Driven Learning focus at Western has been really great."
The letters of recommendation helped. Osolu landed an airframe technician internship with Duncan Aviation one summer, working alongside technicians to assist with testing, adjusting and repairing airframe systems and components.
"It gave me a ton of experience and solidified that I wanted to stick with tech ops, because I could see how I could apply it in the future," she says.
Building professional connections
Once she'd gotten into a rhythm with her two majors, Osolu made an effort to get more involved on campus and meet people. In Western's chapter of the National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA), she found a space to spread her wings.
"I definitely found my people in NGPA. It gave me a solid group of people who really understood my experiences and passions for flying and airplanes."
Osolu wasted no time joining the organization's executive board as ally chair. Over the years, she rose through the ranks as secretary, vice president and ultimately president her senior year.
"NGPA definitely put me on the right track for being successful, because I was surrounding myself with people who were motivated," she says. "I developed really meaningful relationships here. Moving around so much throughout my life, it was always really hard to have a good group of friends. But in coming to Western, I found my community."
NGPA also opened the door to career connections through a variety of events and opportunities to tour facilities and interact with industry professionals as well as a national conference called Winter Warmup held annually in California.
"Last year I brought my resume, got to network a bunch and really put my name out there," she says. "Western has such a great reputation. When I've been at conferences, companies always ask for cards and want to stay in touch."
Osolu is confident the training and certifications she's racked up during her time at Western will give her multiple job opportunities after graduation. For now, she plans to get a job with a maintenance facility while she finishes her flight hours. Eventually, she'd love to move out west.
"I was born in Utah and love the mountains. There's a company in Colorado called Maxar that develops space technology. I'd love to work there one day and then maybe also fly for a charter company. That would be awesome."
Wherever she lands, she'll be ready.
"Western gave me a solid foundation—academically, professionally, personally. It helped me build confidence in myself, especially with flying," says Osolu. "Of course there were challenges, but it helped me be more resilient and better able to handle things that come my way."
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